Let the horse be your teacher

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Horses are healers, teachers & companions

Heart Centered Horsemanship seeks to enhance the well-being of horses through educating people in clear and consistent methods that facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship. They are sentient beings that deserve to be treated with respect and honor.

It is often the skills of the person, not the horse, that need the most work. Learning to be grounded and centered, attuned to the horse, noticing and responding, in the present moment: these are the qualities of good horsemanship and riding.

Heart Centered Horsemanship can help you and your horse to work through challenges, strengthen connection, move through resistance, and develop a joyful partnership.

About Us

Services

Yoga for Equestrians Classes & Retreats

The practice of yoga provides a wealth of benefits that enhance horsemanship and riding. The ability to ride depends on the horse allowing us to guide them without resistance, to trust us to make decisions and to follow our communication through what they are feeling from us. As the horse’s leader and guide, it is essential to maintain a calm and grounded presence, to stay attuned to the horse in the moment, to be aware of the subtle communications of the body, and to work from a place of compassion and good intentions.

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Yin Horsemanship Clinics

We strive to improve the relationship between horse and rider through natural horsemanship techniques. Our clinics provide a unique opportunity for riders of all levels to learn from experienced instructors in a supportive and engaging environment. Yin Horsemanship Clinics teach participants techniques to create a soft, harmonious partnership through integration of equine bodywork and horsemanship.

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Equine Assisted Therapy Retreats

Equine Assisted Therapy Retreats combines traditional therapy with experiential learning, using horses as a catalyst for change. Horses are incredibly intuitive and sensitive animals that can reflect our emotions and behavior. Through interacting with these majestic animals, we can gain insights into our own patterns and develop new skills to better navigate life’s challenges.

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Youth Programs

We offer a dynamic youth program designed to instill a love of horses and develop essential riding skills in children. Our program provides a safe and supportive environment for children to learn about horse care, horseback riding, and the importance of teamwork. Our goal is to lead engaging and interactive lessons that cater to children of all skill levels, ensuring that every child receives personalized attention and guidance. We are committed to fostering a lifelong passion for horses and providing a memorable and enriching experience for every child who participates in our youth program.

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Horsemanship and Riding Lessons

Our approach to therapeutic horsemanship is centered around creating a safe and supportive environment where participants can build a connection with horses. Horses are incredibly sensitive animals, and they have an innate ability to sense the emotions and needs of humans. Through their interactions with horses, participants can learn to communicate more effectively, build trust, and develop greater self-awareness.

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Training

Heart Centered Horsemanship specializes in starting young horses under saddle, re-training horses for new careers, problem solving for specific issues, and developing horses that are safe, confident and relaxed both on the ground and under saddle. Methods integrate groundwork, gentle tension-release bodywork, round pen training, trail riding, and basic dressage to create an ideal foundation for any discipline.

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Read our blog

Working with the Nervous System

Working with the Nervous System

July 5, 2023
My work with horses has led me to take a deep dive into the inner workings of the nervous system....
Calming the Anxious Horse

Calming the Anxious Horse

April 28, 2023
A frequent part of my job is helping anxious horses achieve a more relaxed, calm emotional and mental state. In...
Riding with Precision

Riding with Precision

March 25, 2023
As riders, we often hear the advice to “use more leg.” In my experience, this often leads to riders that...
The Transformative Power of Listening

The Transformative Power of Listening

March 21, 2023
When I am teaching I never know exactly what is going to strike a chord, but I love it when...
Teaching Weight Bearing Posture

Teaching Weight Bearing Posture

March 8, 2023
I was talking with a dog trainer friend the other day and we were comparing the many similarities between our...

Upcoming Events

Heart Centered Horsemanship for Kids – September 30

September 30 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
2445 Centenary Church Rd
Mt Ulla, NC 28125 United States

Yin Horsemanship – October 22

October 22 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2445 Centenary Church Rd
Mt Ulla, NC 28125 United States

Yoga for Equestrians – October 21

October 21 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
2445 Centenary Church Rd
Mt Ulla, NC 28125 United States

Spotlighted in 'Integrating Horses into Healing': Unveiling the Heart-Centered Horsemanship Approach

Make sure to check out Cheryl Meola's book, "Integrating Horses into Healing". This comprehensive guide brings together the wisdom of equine specialists, researchers, clients, and veterinarians, offering a holistic perspective on Equine Assisted Services (EAS).

Among these esteemed voices, my own insights find a place, highlighting the heartwarming connection between equines and healing. I invite you to explore the pages of 'Integrating Horses into Healing: A Comprehensive Guide to Equine Assisted Services,' as we collectively embark on a journey of compassion and growth.

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Testimonials

Stacey is a compassionate, innovative teacher who helps horses and humans develop joyful relationships. She has an exceptional ability to apply creative solutions to help horses and riders discover comfortable, athletic movement.

Mary DeBono, Creator of Debono Moves

I am a senior rider, without a horse of my own. The “loaner” I was riding is a 17.3 very opinionated mare. Not a productive or joyful combination for either horse or rider. In desperation, I called Stacey to see what she could do to help. Did she ever have an impact! In one visit, she softened the horse noticeably and showed me how to do it as well. But best of all, she reduced my fear factor about 99%. We are in a much better place.

Christine Marshall Timchek

Stacey is the embodiment of Heart Centered Horsemanship!  It was obvious from our first encounter that her heart is in all she teaches.  My relationship and connection with my horse (Dixie) has improved because of her methods.  Stacey has made me a better rider and Dixie is calmer and we are more attuned to each other.

Kathy Knutson

Stacey Carter of Heart Centered Horsemanship is a compassionate yoga teacher and horse trainer that heals horses and people.  Her yoga classes are tied to our deep bond with the healing power of our relationship with horses.  She relates yoga moves to those we do on horses but you don't need to be a rider to benefit.  Stacy focuses on her students and is aware of their individual needs just as she does with the animals she works with. She is truly an amazing teacher and healer! We are blessed to have her here in North Carolina!

Brenda Bergeron

I have known Stacey for several years and have always admired her kind approach to horsemanship. Stacey began her yoga journey from an equestrian's perspective and realized how intertwined the two disciplines are.  I am a fitness professional by vocation and Stacey's leadership in teaching yoga is also kind and gentle.  Finally I am able to blend my two loves, fitness and horses into a practice that helps me form a better bond with myself and my horses.  Everytime I have the opportunity to take a class from Stacey I learn something new to take to my horsemanship. Thank you Stacey for your guidance in my journey for softness

Julie Luther, owner and operator of JL Winding Road Farm

Due to multiple injuries, my Quarter Horse hadn’t been ridden in over a year.  I spent months looking for a trainer to help me get her ready to ride again.  Everyone I talked to had a “manhandle” type of approach.  I wanted someone who saw these animals as being the sensitive creatures they are, who deserve to be treated with respect.  Stacey took time getting to know us, developing a relationship not only with me, but my mare as well.  She taught me how to make all my interactions with my horses be a positive experience for both of us.  I can’t say enough about how much Stacey has made a difference in the bond I have with my horses.

Crystal Fluhartey